What comes after 400ZR? A new wave of optical innovation is pushing networks to 800G, 1.6T, and beyond—arriving just in time to meet the explosive demands of AI infrastructure. In this interview, Cisco’s Bill Gartner, a leader in routed optical networking, explains how pluggable optics, automation, and new architectures are transforming service provider networks. Stay with us for the full conversation—you’ll hear what’s next for optical systems and why this transition matters right now
We explore why replacing traditional transponders with pluggable coherent optics inside routers is delivering massive CapEx, space, and power savings, and why automation is key to bridging IP and optical domains. Bill explains how Cisco’s latest RON 4.0 platform unifies management and telemetry across layers, and why the biggest challenge isn’t technology—it’s organizational change.
Key topics in this conversation:
⏱ 00:00 – 00:35 Why the pressure from AI is forcing a rethink of IP and optical boundaries
⏱ 00:59 – 02:27 From transponders to pluggable optics: 50–90% savings in CapEx, space, and power
⏱ 02:27 – 06:47 AI infrastructure, reliability of optics, and 400G XR/XR+, 800G, and 400G ULH pluggables
⏱ 07:15 – 09:03 Routed Optical Networking 4.0: automation, IP and optical, and Cisco’s Sedona acquisition
⏱ 09:03 – 10:16 Organizational shifts: why cross-skilling IP and optical teams is the real challenge
⏱ 10:16 – 12:18 What’s next: 800G to 1.6T, pluggable line systems, open OLT, and the path to CPO
Coming this November, our “Networking for AI Data Centers” series will spotlight the technologies, architectures, and strategies that will power the next wave of AI infrastructure. This video series will bring together top thought leaders to discuss how networks must evolve for massive scale, low latency, and sustainable performance. If your company is developing solutions in this space, we invite you to share your perspective in this influential forum. Reach out to us at info@nextgeninfra.io to get involved.
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